Senior Policy Officer

There are two exciting opportunities available for Senior Policy Officers to join the newly established Attendance Policy Reform team on a fixed-term basis until 30 June 2027. Use your policy, analytical and communication skills to shape the kindergarten attendance policy directions and develop the Attendance Reporting Framework. This work will ensure that children reap the benefits from a quality early childhood education. About the Role The roles will provide strategic leadership on attendance-related policy and program settings, helping to ensure these initiatives support children's attendance and inclusion in kindergarten and are aligned with Early Childhood Group priorities and broader departmental objectives. The design and development of policy and program responses that support children's attendance is a key focus for the roles, alongside providing authoritative advice to the sector, families and departmental colleagues, including: * Literature review and environmental scans on expectations regarding children's attendance consistent with legislative and regulatory requirements * Preparation of governance papers and guidance for stakeholders * Policy and program design and implementation, including designing an Attendance Reporting Framework * Proactive engagement and consultation with internal and external stakeholders including service providers and peak agencies * A key part of the role entails working closely with other colleagues in the department to develop insights from attendance data and research informed initiatives. Attributes Refer to the Position Description Qualifications and Experience * Desirable: Relevant tertiary qualifications and experience How to Apply Applicants are required to submit a CV and cover letter (max 2 pages for cover letter) summarising their skills, relevant experience and suitability to the role. About the Division The Early Learning Practice and Participation (ELPAP) Division guides, supports, and inspires high quality educational practice that improves the learning and development outcomes of Victoria's young children in government funded early learning programs. The Division's work is underpinned by a commitment to ensuring that all children are able to access, be included in, and engage with early learning. ELPAP leads operational policy and program development to deliver high quality, inclusive kindergarten programs and to support participation for children experiencing vulnerability and disadvantage, those who stand to benefit most from early learning. The Division is also responsible for the delivery of professional practice supports and quality initiatives for kindergarten and Pre-Prep aligned to the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF) and National Quality Framework (NQF). To carry out this work, the Division is organised into two branches: the Early Learning Participation Branch and the Professional Practice Branch. Together, these branches lead work across several key focus areas: * Delivering practice quality enablers that improve workforce retention and recognition * Developing and implementing participation and inclusion supports for all children * Implementing needs-based funding for kindergartens * Working with system partners to proactively identify and connect children who might otherwise miss out on kindergarten, ensuring their enrolment and attendance This role sits within the Early Learning Participation Branch. About the Department The department provides a wide range of learning and development support and services. The department provides policy leadership, plans for the future of education in Victoria and leads key cross-sector collaboration. The department plays an important system steward role by providing support, guidance, oversight and assurance across early childhood and school education systems, as well as directly providing school education and 50 new early learning centres. Further Information For more details regarding this position please see attached position description for the capabilities to address in application. The department values diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information about our work, working for the Department, diversity and inclusion, and our employment conditions visit the Department website and our Diversity and Inclusion page Applicants requiring adjustments can contact the nominated contact person. Information about the Department of Education's operations and employment conditions can be located at www.education.vic.gov.au. For further information pertaining to the role, please contact Christina Costa, Manager, Attendance Policy Reform Unit via (03) 5215 5293 or christina.costa@education.vic.gov.au. Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and may be subject to other pre-employment checks. Information provided to the Department of Education will be treated in the strictest confidence. Please let us know via phone or email if you require any adjustments to ensure your full participation in the recruitment process or if you need the ad or any attachments in an accessible format (e.g. large print) due to any viewing difficulties or other accessibility requirements. Applications close 11:59pm on 06 October 2026